Luxury Villa on Koh Samui: Arrest of Dangerous Criminal and Leader of 'Avengers' Gang
An Israeli national wanted for violent crimes including murder and bomb-making was arrested at a luxury villa in Koh Samui and deported after Thai immigration police coordinated with Interpol and the Israeli Embassy.
On April 30, 2025, Deputy Commander Chuthesan Yingyongdam of Region 6 Immigration Police revealed that immigration officials coordinated with Interpol and the Israeli Embassy's police and security attaché office to arrest and extradite Matan Avif, 28, an Israeli national wanted for serious security and criminal violations. Avif is a high-ranking member of the 'Avengers' criminal organization established in Israel and had fled to Thailand to evade prosecution under an Interpol red notice and Israeli arrest warrant.
The Israeli Embassy identified Avif as a dangerous person involved in violent crimes with an extensive criminal history including theft, fraud, illegal weapons possession, drug trafficking, murder, bomb transport and creation, threats, possession of prohibited equipment, and drug-related offenses involving minors.
Investigators from Suratthani Provincial Police traced Avif's movements and discovered he was hiding with four others at a luxury villa in Koh Samui. They recommended his deportation, which was approved by the Immigration Bureau. Officers successfully apprehended Avif on April 29 at 4:00 PM, issued a deportation order, and placed him in custody pending extradition to Israel while adding him to the blacklist prohibiting future entry.
Deputy Commander Chuthesan stated this operation aligns with the Royal Thai Police's transnational crime suppression policy under Police Commander Kittirat Punthaiphet and Deputy Commander Panumat Bunnyalak, targeting foreign nationals with antisocial behavior and international criminal gangs using Thailand as a base. Police urge the public to report suspicious foreign nationals by calling the hotline 1178 available 24 hours daily.
